Senior Publicist, Atria Books

Simon and Schuster Books; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster US is seeking a strategic Senior Publicist to develop and execute publicity campaigns for a diverse list of bestselling fiction and nonfiction across print, digital and audio formats. This role collaborates with authors, agents, media contacts, and internal partners to expand audiences and position books within cultural conversations.

The ideal candidate has strong national media relationships, campaign instincts, and the ability to manage multiple high-profile titles in a

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of book publicity experience, preferably within a trade publishing environment.
• Proven ability to develop campaigns and secure national media coverage for fiction and nonfiction titles.
• Established relationships with key contacts across traditional and digital media.
• Strong strategic instincts to identify compelling angles for a broad range of titles.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns, deadlines, and author relationships.
• Experience working with high-profile authors and literary agents.
• Collaborative and proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute publicity campaigns for a wide range of frontlist titles across fiction and nonfiction.
• Secure national and regional media coverage across print, digital, broadcast, podcasts, newsletters, and emerging platforms.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, event programmers, influencers, creators, and book-club partners.
• Draft compelling press materials, including press releases, pitch letters, author Q&As, media alerts, and talking points.
• Identify timely opportunities to position books and authors within broader cultural conversations.
• Prepare authors for interviews, appearances, and public events, including media training and strategic guidance.
• Coordinate national author tours, media appearances, festivals, book club events, and other opportunities with marketing.
• Collaborate with editorial, marketing, sales, and rights teams to align publicity strategies with goals.
• Communicate regularly with authors and agents regarding strategy, expectations, and results.
• Oversee campaign budgets and manage outside vendors or freelance publicists.
• Mentor and support junior publicity staff; track and report campaign performance.

Skills

Media relations

Campaign strategy

Journalist relationships

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Senior Publicist, Atria Books

Atria Books is seeking a strategic, media-savvy, and highly collaborative Senior Publicist to develop and execute innovative publicity campaigns for its diverse list of bestselling and award-winning commercial fiction and nonfiction. This role will work closely with authors, agents, media contacts, and internal partners to build impactful campaigns that expand audiences, generate meaningful coverage, and position books within relevant cultural conversations.

The ideal candidate is an experienced book publicist with strong national media relationships, exceptional campaign instincts, and the ability to manage multiple high-profile and breakout titles in a fast-paced, creative environment. A passion for discovering new publicity opportunities and connecting books and authors with broad, engaged audiences is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive, creative publicity campaigns for a wide range of Atria frontlist titles, including lead and priority books across fiction and non-fiction genres.
• Secure national and regional media coverage across print, digital, broadcast, podcasts, newsletters, and emerging platforms.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, producers, editors, event programmers, influencers, creators, and book-club partners.
• Draft compelling press materials, including press releases, pitch letters, author Q&As, media alerts, and talking points.
• Identify timely opportunities to position books and authors within broader cultural, entertainment, and news conversations.
• Prepare authors for interviews, appearances, and public events, including providing media training and strategic guidance.
• Coordinate national author tours, media appearances, festivals, book club events, and other special opportunities in partnership with marketing colleagues.
• Collaborate closely with editorial, marketing, sales, and subsidiary rights teams to align publicity strategies with broader publishing goals.
• Communicate regularly with authors and agents regarding campaign strategy, opportunities, expectations, and results.
• Oversee campaign budgets and manage outside vendors or freelance publicists when needed.
• Mentor and support junior publicity staff, as appropriate.
• Track, evaluate, and report on campaign performance and media results.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of book publicity experience, preferably within a trade publishing environment.
• Demonstrated success developing campaigns and securing meaningful national media coverage for commercial fiction and nonfiction titles.
• Established relationships with key contacts across traditional and digital media.
• Strong strategic instincts and the ability to identify compelling angles for a broad range of fiction and nonfiction titles.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority campaigns, deadlines, and author relationships simultaneously.
• Experience working directly with high-profile authors, emerging voices, and literary agents.
• Collaborative, proactive, creative, and solutions-oriented approach.
• Deep knowledge of the publishing landscape, evolving media ecosystem, and consumer trends.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience identifying creative partnerships and nontraditional opportunities that introduce books and authors to new audiences.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression), age, citizenship status, marital status, and Veteran status where protected by law or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [insert contact information]. Unrelated emails, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.